DEUTSCHE WELLE
The Africa Cup of Nations 2023 has no real favorite, a lot of contenders and a lot of committed stars. It’s shaping up to be full of surprises for soccer fans.
Despite being an old soccer tournament — held for the first time 67 years ago — the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is still one of the most difficult ones to predict.
In 37 editions, 15 different countries have lifted the trophy. Virtually every continental powerhouse has at least won it once and some smaller countries have also been able to go all the way, like Zambia in 2012.
In recent years, AFCON has favored big teams like Algeria or Senegal. However, history has shown that anything can happen during the tournament.
Just ask Didier Drogba, considered by many to be one of Africa’s best players. He ultimately never managed to lift the trophy despite being part of Ivory Coast’s so-called golden generation — with the likes of Yaya Toure and Gervinho, among others, in their ranks.
Senegalese star Sadio Mane said AFCON 2023 is even more difficult to predict.
“This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here and they all have their targets,” the former Bayern Munich forward told the Confederation of African Football portal cafonline.com.
No clear favorites
Mane is perhaps trying to diffuse the pressure, since reigning AFCON champions Senegal are one of the most awaited teams this year — but that doesn’t mean he’s not onto something.
For the first time in years, Ivory Coast is not the overwhelming favorite.
Senegal is, of course, one to watch, “because it’s a team which may not look as attractive as the others, football-wise, but they are a team that is used to going far in competitions and doing what is necessary to get through the rounds,” explained Ibrahima Traore, a former German Bundesliga player and ex-captain of the Guinean national team.
But the Lions are not boxing alone in their category. Other nations also have some arguments to present.
